“Excavations at Vindolanda – the evidence for a Frontier constantly in transition” by Andrew Birley
Dr Andrew Birley reveals the extraordinary results of excavations at the Roman site of Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall, including the exceptional preservation of writing tablets.
“Excavations at Vindolanda – the evidence for a Frontier constantly in transition” by Andrew Birley BA PhD FSA Scot, Director of Excavations, Vindolanda Trust.
Vindolanda lies just to the south of the curtain wall of Hadrian’s Wall and has a very different ‘feel’ to other sites along the Wall. It lies upon the first Roman frontier in the north – The Stanegate Road and in a stunning landscape which lets your imagination really connect with its past. You will probably visit Vindolanda by driving or walking along this road to reach the fort and museum. Although first built by the Roman army before Hadrian’s Wall Vindolanda became an important construction and garrison base for the Wall, a Hadrian’s Wall fort in its own right. During this time Vindolanda was demolished and completely re-built no fewer than nine times. Each re-build, each community, leaving their own distinctive mark on the landscape and archaeology of the site.
After Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman occupation was abandoned by its imperial armies Vindolanda remained in use for over 400 years before finally becoming abandoned in the 9th century.
Lecture recorded in the Royal Society of Edinburgh on Monday 9 March 2015. The recording of this lecture has been made possible through the generous financial support of Sir Angus Grossart QC CBE DL LLD DLitt FRSE FSA Scot
The recording was undertaken and edited by Mallard Productions